Inspiring NEET Topper Rejects AIIMS MBBS Seat, Earns Commission as Lieutenant in Indian Army

Setting a shining example of patriotism and unwavering dedication, 23-year-old Abhida Barreto from Canacona, Goa, has captured national attention by choosing service over prestige. Despite securing top ranks in the medical entrance examination that guaranteed her a coveted seat at premier institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER, Abhida turned down the lucrative options to pursue her dream at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. Today, she stands proud as a commissioned Lieutenant and Medical Officer in the Indian Army.

Childhood Inspiration: Defining the Path to Military Medicine

Hailing from a family with no prior military background, Abhida's passion for the armed forces was ignited during her school days in Goa when she saw a military officer in full uniform. Recognizing her enthusiasm, her Class 12 teachers introduced her to the unique career path offered by the Armed Forces Medical College, where medical excellence meets national service. Guided by this vision, she dedicated two rigorous years to preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG), making a firm commitment to join the defense forces as a doctor.

Historic NEET Victory: Goa State Topper Refuses Top Medical Institutes

In the NEET UG 2021 examination, Abhida achieved a stellar score of 680 out of 720 (99.93 percentile), emerging as the top scorer in the entire state of Goa. Her record-breaking score granted her direct eligibility for seats at top-tier medical centers including AIIMS New Delhi and JIPMER Puducherry. While pursuing an MBBS from these institutions often opens doors to high-paying clinical practice, Abhida remained true to her original objective. She chose AFMC Pune, placing her dream of wearing the military uniform above commercial success, and was subsequently honored by the Canacona Municipal Council for her inspiring feat.

Academic Excellence at AFMC Pune and Future Posting in Jammu

Throughout her MBBS tenure at AFMC Pune, Abhida continued to demonstrate outstanding academic performance. In 2025, she earned the prestigious Major General N.D.P. Karani Trophy after being named the second-best outgoing student of the institute, alongside gold medals in Anatomy, Physiology, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology. Having successfully completed her graduation, Lieutenant Barreto has now been assigned to Jammu for her medical internship and preliminary operational assignments, bringing immense pride to her hometown of Canacona and inspiring thousands of defense and medical aspirants across India.